Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Louisiana

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Louisiana provides essential funding for rural communities to develop clean drinking water systems and efficient waste management solutions. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofits unable to secure commercial credit. Funds can be utilized for various projects such as water sourcing, sewage disposal, and storm water management, ensuring reliable services for households and businesses in need.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Louisiana aim to support small rural businesses through technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas, with a focus on those outside urbanized regions. The program prioritizes smaller funding requests with no maximum grant limit, allowing for diverse uses including training, land acquisition, and community development. This initiative is open to various rural public entities, fostering economic growth and sustainability in Louisiana's rural communities.

The Coypu Foundation Grant, established by philanthropist John S. McIlhenny, supports nonprofit organizations focused on wildlife ecology and scientific expeditions. While open to applicants from various locations, priority is given to projects in Louisiana. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, as individual submissions are not permitted. This grant offers a unique opportunity for conservation efforts that align with the foundation's mission to promote ecological research and education.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The Collins C. Diboll Private Foundation, established in 1984, focuses on charitable and educational initiatives for the New Orleans community. It provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 annually to 501(c)(3) organizations that address societal issues and promote arts, education, and health. While primarily supporting local organizations, it may consider applications from other areas. However, it does not fund scholarships, grants to individuals, or for-profit entities.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation's Collective Impact Grants aim to improve health outcomes by addressing critical shortages in the healthcare workforce across Louisiana. By inviting community-level proposals, the Foundation seeks sustainable solutions to enhance access to healthcare services, tackle issues like heart disease and mental health, and promote collaboration among local organizations. This initiative supports the Foundation's commitment to the well-being of Louisianians through targeted funding and community engagement.

South Arts, Inc. is offering Accessibility Grants of up to $2,500 to nonprofit organizations in the Southeast to enhance accessibility in arts programs for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to foster inclusivity by supporting projects that engage disabled artists and audiences. Organizations must be located within the South Arts Service region and focus on the arts. Priority will be given to new applicants and those serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, with a commitment to rural areas.

The Boo Grigsby Foundation, established in 2007, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Baton Rouge and across Louisiana, focusing on education, health services, arts, human services, community initiatives, and conservation. With over $2,500,000 donated, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare through diverse programs and initiatives, ensuring all residents have access to vital resources and opportunities for growth.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Louisiana aim to support rural communities facing emergencies that compromise their access to safe drinking water. These grants can be utilized for constructing water transmission lines or establishing water sources, with funding up to $1 million. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes. The initiative fosters partnerships to enhance water supply and ensure recovery from natural disasters, ultimately promoting community resilience and environmental sustainability.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, invites applications from eligible nonprofits starting October 7, 2025. This grant aims to enhance capacity building and sustainability for organizations focused on food insecurity, workforce development, and youth programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving low to moderate-income communities within Hancock Whitney's service areas, fostering impactful changes with AmeriCorps support.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

South Arts, Inc. offers Literary Arts Grants to support Southern independent publishers and small presses with funding up to $5,000. These grants aim to amplify contemporary literary arts and foster community engagement through projects like reading series and festivals. Eligible applicants must be based in the South Arts Region and demonstrate a commitment to advancing literary traditions. This initiative enhances access to the arts and promotes cultural vitality across the Southern states.

South Arts Inc. is offering Literary Arts Grants to support writers, independent publishers, and literary organizations focusing on contemporary literature in the Southern U.S. Grants of up to $5,000 will fund projects in poetry, fiction, and other genres. Eligible applicants must be full-time residents of the South Arts region. The initiative aims to amplify the literary traditions of the American South, fostering creativity and community engagement through diverse literary projects.

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is launching its second cycle of collaborative grants aimed at eradicating poverty through community-driven initiatives. The grants focus on five priority areas aligned with their Blueprint for Prosperity, which addresses stability, prosperity, wellness, and vibrant communities. Eligible applicants must operate within specific parishes and demonstrate a commitment to systemic change and equity. Funding supports planning, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts to foster long-term community impact.

The Community Outreach Ticket Grant Program, operated by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, aims to provide access to the Jazz Fest for low-income Louisiana residents. Tickets are allocated through nonprofit organizations that serve low-income clients, ensuring that those unable to afford festival attendance can participate. Organizations must demonstrate nonprofit status and are selected based on financial need and availability, prioritizing new applicants.

The Louisiana Project Grants, managed by the Louisiana Division of the Arts, aim to enhance community engagement through diverse artistic initiatives. The program supports various art forms, including dance, music, and visual arts, focusing on innovation and collaboration. By prioritizing equity and inclusion, the grants foster artistic growth while ensuring access for all residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and educational institutions within Louisiana, emphasizing projects that benefit the community and promote cultural diversity.

The Louisiana Project Grants program, administered by the Louisiana Division of the Arts and regional arts councils, provides funding for diverse arts projects across the state. With $1 million allocated from the Louisiana Office of Tourism, artists, schools, and nonprofits can develop initiatives that address local community needs. The program supports various artistic disciplines, including dance, music, visual arts, and literature, fostering innovation and cultural impact in each region.